I think being so judgmental at a time like this is completely wrong. From the news report I heard, they were eating "40 paces" from the apartment where their chidren slept, and they were checking on them every half hour or so.

How many parents can say that they have never, ever let their children out of their sight.

This story is heartbreaking, and I really hope that Madeleine is found safe and well really soon. Her parents must be going through hell.

Hope she is found safe and soon. Can't imagine what the parents are going through. She looks such a beautiful wee girl. How do you live through that? Please God she will be found safe.

Having been on a Mark warner holiday the villages are normally self contained complexes with gates in and out. the restaurants are within the complex scattered near the various apartments. it would be like sitting on your patio with the kids inside in bed. We did the same last year, ate outside our apartment on a restaurant terrace adjacent to our accomodation. not all of the villages are set up like that so not entirely sure about the Portugal one.

Just trying to show that it may not have been so irresponsible as the press are making it sound. We don`t know all the facts.

I`m really hoping that she is found sooner rather than later and safe and sound.


Editing to add that having been on the mark warner site portugal is not the same set up and has aprtments within a normal village.It is not a self contained village and therefore not as i stated above.

The report I saw said it was 200yds away! Not quite 40 paces. However, they are going to have to live with this for the rest of their lives whatever the outcome. If it were me then I wouldn't have done it.
Becky

I am going to do something completely out of character here, and bite my tongue!

It depends on what news service you watch, some said a shutter had been forced, others didnt. some said they checked every hour, others 15 mins. I also heard they the room could be seen from where they were eating, while others said not.

I'll put it another way. I would never ever leave a child in my care, whether mine or someone elses alone in an apartment while I went out.
Becky

me to not often i refrain from saying my peace but on this one i might have to ......


easy to say what we would or would not do .....
I think those of us who are parents know what i mean

I to fera the worst inca its a very scary thought the parents must be in turmoil these are for you little maddie until your safe return i would never dream of leaving a child alone in a hotel no matter how far away or how short a distance away ,i think itl be one decision her parents will live to regret and the hotel staff are also at fault they are employed to care for these children . i to am going to bite my tongue on this one as i could become very upset over it all i think its a disgrace that poor little child

i'm sure thats a great comfort to the family becky